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MARCH 2018 - Nic & Wes Builders Pte Ltd Newsletter (Issue 94)

MARCH 2018 ISSUE 94

IN FOCUS: WHY TERRACES AND BALCONIES ARE WORTHWHILE FEATURES TO HAVE By Nicole Kow

Walking along the streets of a European city like Spain, balconies and terraces are prominent features amidst its almost flat and boxy residential façades. Simple open spaces no matter how compact or spacious can be such a beautiful feature to a structure. In our local residential areas, many homeowners opt for maximising built up area while doing away with as much outdoor spaces as possible. Many view balconies and terraces as under-utilised areas, but are they really a waste of space? This issue we delve specifically into these two spaces.

Firstly, what is the difference between a balcony and a terrace?

To put it simply, a balcony is a compact space or alleviated platform usually linked to a specific room.

A terrace on the other hand is larger in size for more communal purposes such as being used for gatherings.

How can a small space like a balcony be of any use?

In a visual perspective, balconies can add to the profile of a home’s façade. Skirting along the side of the home for instance breaks the monotonous symmetry of the structure’s boxy shape. Balconies add character to the design much like feature walls.

The function of balconies works like an extension of a window. Instead of being enclosed in a room with four full height concrete walls, balconies create an inviting feel. It marries the outdoors with the indoors.

A look out point or the ideal spot to take a breather, everyone consciously or unconsciously gravitates toward the outdoors to relax and reflect. So why not have a quiet meditative space within the comforts of your home? Add a chair or two and it’s a ideal space to unwind with a glass of wine or add in a vertical garden and it could be a space to grow your favourite herbs.

But terraces take up space, where can it be located?

While terraces are indeed larger in size, in our local context, the top floor is a popular spot to include one, even though the second floor is also ideal.

Many of us look to build upwards to a two-storey plus attic or a three-storey plus attic home. Instead of enclosing the entire top floor with a roof, the remaining half floor can be turned into a roof terrace even keeping it partly shaded to make the space more conducive.

Terraces can be turned into a garden space, an outdoor dining spot or even a meditative sanctuary. Incorporating movable structures like gazebos allow users to enjoy the outdoor landscape while still comfortably shaded from the afternoon sun.

So, the next time remodeling comes to mind, try considering adding these features which are valuable both aesthetically and functionally. For it is these little details that contribute to turning a house into a lifestyle home.